
Photo by Doris Lombard
GSOB reminder
By
This is the perfect time of year to spot black oaks that may be harboring Goldspotted oak borers. Oaks with brown leaves still on the branches should be inspected, according to the Mountain Communities Fire Safe Council. Here is an oak with retained leaves throughout the branchy canopy. A team composed of Ron Perry, Eliott Taylor and Doris Lombard spotted this tree during their morning drive-by windshield survey.

The National Weather Service, through the California Community Collaborative Rain, Hail and Snow network, is seeking volunteers to observe and report on local weather. Joining the Community Collaborative network is free. One needs a 4-inch rain gauge and a few minutes each day, according to the NWS. For more information or to join, contact Jim…
At its May 23 meeting, the Idyllwild Fire Protection District commission approved an increase in its ambulance service fees. The cost to district residents for its ambulance service, beginning June 1, is now $1,548.75. The 2017-18 cost for each service, for residents and non-residents, was increased 5 percent. An ambulance trip to a local hospital…
Even with four days of treacherous winter weather, the California Highway Patrol reported only two incidents from Wednesday, Jan. 18, through Tuesday, Jan. 24. At 1:20 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 22, Rafael Hernandez, 45, (no city of residence given) had been driving his 2017 red Toyota Camry on Highway 74 westbound just past the intersection with…
Residents noted helicopter activity above Tahquitz Peak this weekend, as search and rescue teams worked for two days to extract a pair of hikers who had fallen while attempting a treacherous trail. Riverside County Sheriff’s Office Public Information Officer Sergeant Wendy Brito-Gonzalez confirmed that on Saturday, March 1, at 3:07 p.m., their dispatch received a…
By J.P. Crumrine News Editor Cal Fire has released the results of its investigation of the Aug. 5 Strong Fire to the Idyllwild Fire Protection District. Once secured, IFPD handed the investigation to Cal Fire. Cal Fire Battlion Chief Julie Hutchison stressed that the agency was not able to determine the actual cause nor rule…
Jessie Ornelas-Mares splits her time as school counselor between two of the most highly regarded schools in the Hemet Unified School District, Idyllwild School and Cottonwood Elementary. “I feel very honored and privileged to have this opportunity,” said Ornelas-Mares, of serving both distinguished schools as a first-year school counselor. The longtime Hemet resident said she…